snip

-----------
I have never had a cat with liver failure, but I am on my second cat with
kidney failure. If I may offer some words of hope? If you treat the symptoms
of the kidney failure (and I credit Phil for giving me great advice), the
situation can stabilize and the cat can go on like that for several years
(at least). Alex was diagnosed well over a year ago, and his numbers have
remained the same or improved with treatment. Currently, he is getting a
potassium supplement (again, thank you Phil) and aluminum hydroxide as a
phosphorus binder. He will be 17 years old in February. Even if he died
tomorrow, it could never be said that he didn't live a nice long cat life,
even with his medical issues (he also has cardiomyopathy and used to have
diabetes - he no longer requires Lantus insulin). His appetite is quite good
(hopefully because he's feeling okay and not because he has a thyroid
issue - he is due for his quarterly bloodwork very soon). He has slowed down
a lot and doesn't come upstairs too much anymore, but I really think that's
due to aging rather than to any disease process. He also has arthritis in
his knees.

Last year, I lost my beautiful Molly. She was a purebreed Abyssinian (taken
in as a stray kitten believe it or not). At age 15, she was also diagnosed
with kidney failure. She was impossible to pill, and we had a different vet
then who didn't recommend any of the treatments that have been suggested for
Alex. Maybe it was just as well, as Molly was nearly impossible to pill, and
I'm afraid that forcing all that medicine on her may have ruined our loving
relationsip. So, Molly's kidney disease went essentially untreated, and even
at that, she managed to live to almost 17, which is still beyond the
anticipated lifespan for an average Abyssinian. Everybody is eventually
going to die from something.

So, my point is that whatever Phantom's diagnosis, try to think of it as a
condition and not as a terminal illness. With treatment (or even without
treatment, depending on the diagnosis), he could have years of life ahead of
him. So try to enjoy your time with him and don't focus on the parts you
can't control.
Purrs for you and Phantom, and may you have many happy years ahead.
Best regards,
---Cindy S.

Whoa-- try to take it easy a bit-- First of all- your cat probably *isn't*
in liver failure-- 90% of hyperthyroid cats have elevated liver enzymes-
either ALT or SAP or both.  Its usually caused by the direct toxic effects
of excess thyroid hormones on the liver. They almost always return to normal
as soon as the hyperthyroidism is under control.

I saw the out come to many times on other cats. I know what

I know how you feel- I went through it with my hyperthyroid cat. But take it
easy!!! Hyperthyroidism affects every cell in the body.  Once its under
control all his symptoms will probably resolve-- even the high WBC count-
which is almost certainly only a stress response rather than a bacterial
infection.

Another effect of hyperthyroidism- that will probably resolve after
treatment. Hyperthyroidism causes hyperactivity, tachycardia, heart murmurs
and even myocardial hypertrophy that resembles HCM- except this form of HCM
is *reversible* with treatment of hyperthyroidism.

He should calm down as his thyroid hormones come down.

I have no space available to separate him as of

You don't have too.

These are all symptoms of hyperthyroidism.  I'm sure you'll have your ole
cat back after his thyroid hormones return to normal. So try to relax a bit.

It does cure the disease. My cat had the tx.  I had no choice- the
methimazole was causing axorexia--its a side effect of the med itself not
just simply the taste.

I

Before you even think about it, keep him on methimazole for a month or so
and then check his kidney function. Hyperthyroidism increases blood flow
through the kidneys which can mask underlying CRF.  If his kidney values
remain stable while he's on methimazole then you cn think about radioiodine
tx.

Check out my site- good info on hyperthyroidism.

http://maxshouse.com/Hyperthyroidism_in_Cats.htm

Try to take it easy! We'll get you through this. ;-)

Phil

Hi Matthew,

I'm so sorry you're having such a rough time of it.

Some cats become nauseated with Methimazole, at least initially.  I've had
two hyperthyroid cats and both of them had problems tolerating it at first.
Pandora never did tolerate the pills (total lack of appetite and nausea) so
we had a compounding pharmacy that made it into an ointment we applied to
the inside of her ear (transdermal application).  She did very well with
that.  Clover is on 2.5 mg once a day and has also been doing well but
initially we were only giving it to him every other day because it made him
so nauseated.  Clover takes his pill in his canned food.

I think the vet was talking about radioactive iodine.  From what I
understand, the main drawbacks are that the cat has to be hospitalized until
they  are no longer radioactive (from 1 to 3 weeks or longer) and also only
certain veterinary hospitals do the procedure.

I hope Phantom is doing better soon.

Wishing you the best, Bonnie

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/hyperthyroidism.asp

You will always be most welcome. You have been my guide here, & you
have always been a decent, fair, unbiased, friend I ever made here.
I'm thinking of you all. It affects everyone in your home in one way
or another. You should know that we are always here for someone who is
a decent man. May the spirits guide your direction on the right path.
Sheelagh>"o"<

Excellent idea.
Sheelagh >"o"<